How do I look up information on a doctor?
How do I file a complaint against a doctor?
Can a doctor charge me for a copy of my medical records?
Can a doctor withhold copies of medical records?
How long must a doctor retain medical records?
How can I locate my records from a doctor who has moved, retired or died?
Can a doctor refuse to accept me as a patient?
Can a doctor terminate me as a patient?
How do I look up information on a doctor?
Use our web site to look up a licensee. We provide the following information:
- name
- license number
- original issue date
- expiration date
- year of birth
- specialty (provided by licensee; not verified)
- medical school and dates attended
- whether there are any disciplinary actions against the license (includes restrictions, probation, etc.)
- Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate (controlled substances prescribing authority)
- collaborative practices with nurse practitioners or registration agreements with P.A.s
The following information is not available:
- patient complaints (confidential by state law)
- malpractice case information in possession of the Board (confidential by state law)
- whether a physician accepts Medicare/Medicaid or a particular type of insurance
- whether a physician is board certified (see www.abms.org for this information)
- we cannot make physician referrals
- you may contact local hospital physician referral lines or contact your heath insurance carrier
How do I file a complaint against a doctor?
See our complaints page for complete information, instructions and forms
Can a doctor charge me for a copy of my medical records?
Yes, although there is a limit to what can be charged:
- $1 a page for the first 25 pages
- $.50 for each page in excess of 25
- actual cost of mailing
- actual cost of x-rays or other special records
Can a doctor withhold copies of medical records?
- a doctor may condition the release of copies on payment of the copying fees
- a doctor may NOT condition the release of copies on payment of an unpaid bill
How long must a doctor retain medical records?
- according to Board rules, "as long as necessary for medical and legal purposes"
- ten years from the date of the last visit is generally suggested
How can I locate my records from a doctor who has moved, retired or died?
- call or visit the old office and ask who has possession of the doctor's records
- if you are unable to speak with anyone from the old office, check with the local hospitals, chamber of commerce, county medical society or police department; sometimes they will have information on the physician's whereabouts
- if you know the physician is deceased, call the local probate court to find out who is the administrator of the estate (court records will list a telephone number); call the administrator for assistance
- contact our office and see if we have been given any information (this occurs infrequently)
Can a doctor refuse to accept me as a patient?
Yes, doctors and patients both have the prerogative to choose whether to enter or terminate a physician-patient relationship.
Can a doctor terminate me as a patient?
Once a physician-patient relationship has been established, a doctor may not discontinue treatment that is necessary without having given reasonable notice and assistance in finding alternate care.
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